Today's Tech News and Reviews
4K webcams are beginning to become a common thing now with competitors popping up with all new models that are taking on companies like Logitech. Price points for the “true 4K” options still remain a bit high in comparison to what some consumers are used to, but the features you get quickly balance things out for some of these models. Models like the OBSBOT Tiny 4K, an AI-driven PTZ webcam that can track the subject in front of it, zoom in and out, as well as a number of other useful functions.
This webcam is more than just your normal everyday webcam. It is a miniature robo-cam packed with functions that we best described as being between 1/3 to half the size of a general soda can. For what it is, that’s pretty small.
It features a two-axis gimbal allowing it to cover both X and Y directions to track its subject(s), Without you having to even install any software (for general function). Although you do have to install software to make the most out of the camera.
Not only can it track you but you can also control is using hand gestures to let it know who it is tracking as well as for zooming in and out.
You can desk-mount it as-is, on a flat surface. Or you can choose to either use a tripod of your choice or the magnetic mount that it comes with to meant it to the top of a monitor/laptop screen.
The bottom of the camera features a simple tripod thread in the center, and the rest of it is magnetic. So it can attach and pop off of its mount easily or possibly magnetically mount it to something else.
It connects to your PC or Mac via a USB-C connection on the back. There is also a DC input for when you only have access to a USB 2.0 port. However, as long as you are using a USB 3.0 or newer port (USB-A or USB-C), it will obtain both power and data through the one USB connection.
It comes with the USB-C to USB-C cable as well as a small USB-C to USB-A adapter. There is also the AC cable if you need it, which would plug into a wall adapter (not included). Beyond that, nothing else besides the software is required to get it working.
You also get a nice semi-hardshell case that the camera can store into with its accessories. Allowing you to easily store it when not in use (if not statically attached to a system) or travel with it to a new location.
Any modern Windows or Mac environment can handle the webcam and its software. The OBSBOT TinyCam software is used to select targets, set defaults, and more. Although during most of our testing, we skipped the software to see how functional it was without it and it did great.
In fact, the demo that can be found in the second half of the unboxing video down below (after the conclusion of this review) was shot with the camera simply plugged in, fresh out of the box. Nothing was installed yet.
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Right off the bat, you are able to make use of the gesture controls and tracking. We hooked it up to a laptop and set it to 4K@30 and hit the ground running. Everything worked just fine and it both looked and sounded great.
It has a dual-microphone design that highlights sound within 3 meters from the camera. While doing this, it seems to do a good job at isolating background noise since we tried to add common background sounds (ie, HVAC, fridge, etc). We even had someone walking around scuffling their feet a little (purposely) in the background during the below video and it never picked it up in the video.
Of course, it isn’t going to compete against a high-end 4K camera. It is just a webcam after all. However, for being a webcam, it still does pretty well with both video and audio.
Both auto-framing and auto-focus do a decent job at keeping what’s important in the shot (you), and its tracking features two different modes, including headroom (for when you are sitting close) and motion for when you are in the background walking around, dancing, or anything else where you want your whole body in the mix. The tracking is smooth and speeds up when necessary to keep you in the frame. This way it is usually smooth vs jittery.
The gestures are fantastic as long as you know how to use them properly. The instructions walk you through doing this and the camera responds every time. It really does help in controlling it when there is no one else there to make use of the software. A simple gesture will tell it to zoom in or out or start tracking you or even someone else if they raise their hand with the right gesture.t
Then you have the privacy features that are easy to work with. You can manually tilt the camera down with your hand. If you do this, it will automatically turn off and disable both video and audio. It will also time out after 30 seconds of not having anything to track, causing it to go into a sleep state.
Making use of this camera would be great for both meetings, school, or when you are trying to share something you have been practicing for the dance team. Again, it won’t compare to a high-end 4K video camera, but for a webcam, it still packs a punch. The only thing you have to plan ahead on is the type of lighting you have.
So you won’t be shooting professional videos with it, but it will likely go above and beyond any other task that you need it for. Maybe have a video chat in the kitchen as you walk around the room preparing your meal. Not only does it look good, but it is a lot of fun to use. The tracking, auto-focus, framing, and gestures work great. So check out the below video and watch the demonstration that can be found toward the end. You may find yourself surprised.
The company also has a more expensive option it is working on that does even more (for the more professional shots), but that seems to be “coming soon”.
*Average price is based on the time this article was published
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Designer, Editor and Product Reviewer Poc Network Ryan is an avid gamer that spends most of his time either commanding teams on the Xbox One or out on the grass kicking the soccer ball around when others are willing to take the challenge. He comes with a bachelors in electrical engineering and a hobby in the installation of advanced audio-video environments.
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